Spotlight: Dr. Amy Rottmann

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We believe that the people in our community, the people who Give, Advocate and Volunteer, are pretty spectacular people and they deserve a bright light shone upon them.

Dr. Amy Rottmann is one of those people. Rottmannis a Asst. Professor of Education (MAT) Lenoir-Rhyne University Center for Graduate Studies of Asheville.

Read more about Dr. Rottmann here.

Why do you volunteer and give to United Way?

I volunteer and give to United Way because I believe in their mission and vision. It is imperative as a community, we address social injustice within our community and improve the lives of our neighbors. I think it is wonderful that United Way acts locally, and that I can play a small part in making sure my neighbors are supported.

What small act of kindness were you once shown that you will never forget?

The act of encouragement from my high school creative writing teacher is one small act of kindness I will never forget. As an insecure teenager with dyslexia, I often just sat in the back of the classroom and quietly did what I could to ‘get by’. It was Marie Victoria Harris’s small words of encouragement that made me realize that was intelligent, compassionate, and significant. A teacher’s support, kindness, and laughter made me realize I was more than my learning disability, and she was one of the main reasons why I enter the teaching profession. I wanted to make that quiet, insecure girl in the back of my classroom feel like she could take on the world.

What makes someone a hero?

A hero to me is a person who is sincere, kind, and honest. They are willing to take time out of their busy lives to play a small part in making our society better. A hero is a person that helps others and does not want or need to be acknowledged for it. They do it because it is the right thing to do.

What activities make you lose track of time?

Reading, listening to music, and hiking with my family.

What’s something new you recently learned about yourself?

I recently learned that I am truly feel at home in Asheville, and it is where my family is meant to be! Recently, I visited my hometown of Wilmington, NC and enjoyed seeing my parents and family, but I missed Asheville. I mean really missed it! I missed the color of the leaves, the skyline, and the people.

What three questions do you wish you knew the answers to?

How or when will I be cool to my kids again?

What is the best hiking trail that has waterfalls, skyline view, and my kids won’t hate?

How do we motivate more people to volunteer?

What is the best advice you can offer to young women and young men as they start their careers?

Use your energy, your passion to uplift and support those around you. Make sure that you work as a team, never stop learning, and embrace the beautiful diversity in our society.